I have realized that I will be surprised and delighted with each new Marvel show. So far, I have not been disappointed by the character-driven stories we have been blessed with on the Disney streaming service. Each series has brought depth to old characters and a new love for the next generation. Surprisingly Ms. Marvel feels both nostalgic and utterly unique at the same time.
Marvel’s latest superhero series focuses on a newer and younger hero, Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani). Comic book fans may automatically notice that her MCU power storyline is slightly different than the one on the pages. That being said, her heart, culture, and love for Captain Marvel remain the same.
Kamala is a 16-year-old Pakistani American Muslim girl in New Jersey. Her love for Captain Marvel is one that any fangirl can relate to. So far, her biggest challenge is getting through high school with her best friends Bruno (Matt Lintz) and Nakia (Yasmeen Fletcher) by her side. While Ms. Marvel certainly feels like a superhero TV show, the teenage angst is reminiscent of a John Hughes film.
Kamala’s ethnicity plays a significant role in the series. As a viewer, it is refreshing to have more characters with rich backgrounds. Personally, coming from an ethnic family, it’s heartwarming to see something so relatable in a franchise this big.
I was given the first two episodes to view. I promise I will not spoil anything, but I will say this. Watching Kamala is like holding up a mirror and seeing yourself. She is incredibly relatable. The story moves fast and feels like you’re inside a teenager’s head. It’s vibrant and comical while also sincere. Ms. Marvel is certainly geared toward a younger audience, but it never feels too childish. The writing and storytelling are mature. Also, Iman Vellani is outstanding! She is a bright light to this franchise.
Sometimes we can lose sight of why we love comic book movies. Ms. Marvel reminds us why these stories hold a special place in our hearts. Her story is just getting started, and I can’t wait to be front row to watch it all unfold.
Review: Ms. Marvel
Score
Review Nation Score
Ms Marvel is exciting and heartwarming. The show feels like it's geared toward a young audience, but it also has a maturity to it. Its star is also a standout and a wonderful addition to a mega franchise.
